Southwest Regional Winner

Atlanta—Smotherman Farms of West, Texas, was selected as one of six family
farms around the nation to receive the Family Farm Environmental Excellence
Award at the 2008 International Poultry Expo. This award is given by the U.S.
Poultry & Egg Association in recognition of exemplary environmental
stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Smotherman
Farms was chosen as the winner from the Southwest Region.

Smotherman Farms
is a limited liability partnership between Ken Smotherman Jr. and Dana
Smotherman, who operate the farm, and Ken Smotherman Sr. and Rita Smotherman,
who are credited with being the mentors and investors in a dual generation
family farm. The farming operation consists of two separate farms that are
located on 148 acres of land in West, Texas. The two farms support a turkey
brood facility with two houses and a turkey grow-out facility with four houses.
In addition, Smotherman Farms operates an additional farm that is leased from
Cargill Turkey Production. The leased farm consists of four turkey grow-out
houses and is located roughly eight miles from the two farms owned by Smotherman
Farms Ltd. Smotherman Farms Ltd. produces approximately 8.3 million live pounds
of turkey annually. The operation is truly a family affair. Ken manages the
grow-out facilities and oversees the general operation while Dana manages the
brooder operations and is assisted by daughters Kasey and Whitney.

Knowing the
importance of proper litter application Smotherman Farms developed a trade
agreement with a local farmer/rancher. Litter from the farm is spread on crop
land used to grow hay and small grain and provide grazing pastures for cattle.
To ensure nutrients are not over applied to the crop and pasture land, soil
samples are collected and analyzed regularly. Furthermore, poultry house
clean out operations are coordinated with litter application operations to
assure litter storage piles are not exposed to storm water runoff. Plans for the
construction of a covered litter storage shed have been approved and once
complete, the shed will provide a method to protect litter from storm water
runoff for extended periods, if necessary.

The
Smotherman’s respect for the environment is evident in their development and
care of wildlife and numerous wildlife habitats on their farm. During the winter
months, numerous migratory water fowl take refuge in a number of stock tanks
located on the three farms maintained by the Smothermans. The Smothermans take
care to maintain a natural and undisturbed setting to attract and protect the
migratory birds as well as install nesting boxes for the birds to use during
their residence.

Since purchasing
the farm in the fall of 2002, the Smothermans have come to realize the
responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of the agricultural industry. The
Smothermans say individuals involved in the agricultural industry must strive to
carry out practices that not only maintain the environment but improve it.

Applicants for the
Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award were rated in several categories,
including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning,
community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient
management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs.
Applications and subsequent farm visits are conducted by a team of experts from
universities, regulatory agencies and state trade associations to choose the
national winners.

The U.S. Poultry
& Egg Association is the world’s largest and most active organization of
its kind. Its focus is research, education, communication and technical
assistance.